Posted by: Coach C () on Fri Nov 21 19:09:58 2003

>>> I, too, agree that there is a difference between bat quickness and bat speed. Bat quickness is how quickly you get the bat to the hitting zone while bat speed is how quickly the bat gets through the zone. <<<
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> Hi
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> I do not intend this to be confrontational, but I fail to see how a batter can get the bat-head from launch to contact quicker without increasing bat-head speed.

Jack....Pete Rose vs. Ken...Griffey who's swing is longer? Who generates more batspeed, who hits the ball farther. If you say less shoulder turn or shorter stride that works for me, but there is no denying somebody see's the ball longer....is there? You can make the same argument with Boggs, Carew and several others. Does less batspeed sometimes mean higher average? I talked to a guy that play's within the A's organization the other day...he stated that he become a .300 hitter (vice .220 hitter)and increased his power when his swing went from 100% effort to 80% effort. This philosophy is rampid through the entire A's organization. He doesn't want max batspeed he wants smooth flowing body parts, that can only be destroyed with max batspeed on the brain. I think Max batspeed discourages smooth flowing parts, in fact the slower the batspeed the smoother the swing. This should be the baseline of all swings and work up from there. Not the other way around. I'm not being confrontational either, but Batspeed emphasis is why some people have trouble understanding your philosophy. I am not disputing how we obtain batspeed (you deserve a lot of credit for that), but striving for it soley is missing the point of great hitters. Ted Williams said every home run he hit surprised him. Most kids would not be surprised when they hit a home run, in fact the home run ball soon becomes there downfall, because they then try to hit harder the next time. This doesn't work in any sport when consistancy is the goal. Do big league oraganizations carry batspeed indicators in there clubhouses?

I love what you say on this site, but until you've tried 80% effort at 90 plus MPH, you will never know the difference. I do not want more Batspeed when the ball is blowing by me....I WANT LESS!!

Thanks Jack.
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> Jack Mankin
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